Shorts advise on MBO of Freight Despatch Worldwide

Shorts recently teamed up with Wake Smith, Dawson Radford and Calverton Finance to act as lead advisors, legal representatives and funders, to Steve Bowling and Derek Libberton on the purchase of Sheffield based Freight Despatch Worldwide (FDW) Limited, from John Collumbine.

International Freight Forwarding Specialists FDW was established in 2004, by John Collumbine who had over 30 years’ commercial and forwarding experience. Over the last 15 years, the Company has forged close relationships with UK & Overseas Carriers and freight partners throughout the world, ensuring goods arrive at their destination safely and on time.

Martin Dean, Corporate Finance Executive at Shorts comments “We are delighted to have advised Steve and Derek on the successful completion of this transaction, and we look forward to seeing the continuing success of the business under new ownership.”

Duncan Shepherd, Director and Head of Company Commercial at Wake Smith Solicitors, who acted for the sellers of Freight Despatch Worldwide, said "A pragmatic commercial approach was taken by Wake Smith and all the advisors to make sure an effective handover took place from the owners who originally started the business to the trusted management team."

Joanna Dawson, Solicitor acting on behalf of the purchasers said: “Derek and Steve have a great opportunity to grow the business established by John, and I am pleased that we have been able to support them with that. I look forward to seeing their progress as the company develops”.

Emily Revill of Calverton Finance added “Freight Despatch Worldwide is a long-established company offering a bespoke freight forwarding service to its clients. They are market leading in Sheffield and surrounding areas whilst also working countrywide. Historically, John and his team, Derek and Steve who now are the new owners of the business have done an outstanding job in driving the historical growth of Freight Despatch Worldwide and we look forward to supporting the company moving forward.”

John Collumbine said “When I made the decision to sell, I was extremely happy that Derek and Steve wanted to take over running the business. As part of the existing senior management team, I know that FDW is in safe hands with them and I am very much looking forward to watching them continue to grow and succeed.”

Steve Bowling and Derek Libberton added “As far as existing clients are concerned it will be business as usual and we are very excited for the next phase of what promises to be an exciting period for the company. We are very much looking forward and are ready for the challenges ahead"

FDW Ltd prides itself on looking after customers interests first and foremost, keeping them informed on the transit process from door to door, (regardless of experience in forwarding logistics), whilst also offering alternative ideas which could improve upon the overall service provided to their customers. They offer Export & Import services by Air, Sea, Road, and Courier.

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